DE102021106656A1 - Operating device, sanitary installation and corresponding use - Google Patents

Abstract

An actuating device (7) designed to actuate a valve arrangement (8) provides for arranging the actuating elements (9) for each valve (10) at the corners of a convex polygon (11) with three or more corners.

Description

The invention relates to an actuating device for a valve arrangement with at least three actuating elements, each for one valve of the valve arrangement, wherein the actuating elements can each be transferred from a rest position to an actuated position, each actuating element being fixed with a releasable locking device after it has been transferred to the actuated position, in order to prevent return to the rest position.

It is known to offer various waterways in sanitary installations, for example shower and/or bath fittings, which can be switched on and off as required using actuating elements, for example diverters.

The invention is based on the object of technically enabling new design options for fittings.

To solve the above problem, the features of claim 1 are provided according to the invention. In particular, in order to achieve the stated object in an actuating device of the type described above, it is proposed according to the invention that the at least three actuating elements describe corners of a polygon. This makes it possible to move away from the linear arrangement that has been customary up to now, which opens up additional design freedom in the external design of a fitting. For example, a polygon can be characterized as a geometric figure made up of at least three points connected by (straight) line segments.

For example, the polygon can be convex. This results in attractive design options. Easily cleanable molds can also be created. For example, a convex polygon can be characterized as a polygon in which all interior angles of the corners are less than 180°.

It is particularly aesthetically pleasing if the polygon is regular, ie has the same side lengths and/or the same interior angles, for example.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the locking device has at least one locking element that can be moved from a rest position against a restoring force into a release position. The rest position can be a locking position. Thus, an automatic fixing and/or releasing of the locking device can be set up.

In an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the locking device is set up for positively locking the actuating element. A mechanical holding of the actuating element can thus be achieved. An additional supply of energy to develop a holding force is not necessary.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a ramp is formed on each actuating element, with which an associated locking element of the locking device can be moved. The associated locking element can thus be moved by an actuation movement of the actuation element, ie a transfer into the actuation position. It is thus possible to automatically fix and/or release the locking device.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a retaining projection is formed on each actuating element, behind which an associated locking element engages for fixing. A simple means is thus described as to how the actuating elements can be fixed in the actuating position.

The retaining projection can be part of a retaining groove, for example, which can be formed, for example, to run around the actuating element.

The holding projection can, for example, engage in a corresponding hole on the at least one locking element. In this case, the hole can be matched to a size of the actuating element, for example measured at a point of engagement in the hole. It can thus be achieved that a position or deflection of the locking element can be predetermined by the actuating element penetrating the hole.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that each actuating element controls a pilot valve, with which a main valve of the associated valve can be actuated via an operating pressure applied to the valve. An advantageous use is thus described in which the actuating elements can be actuated with a low actuating force. A mechanical stress on the actuating device can thus be reduced.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that each actuating element is assigned a restoring element, with which it can be moved into its rest position. Thus, an automatic return of the actuating elements to their rest position can be achieved, in particular when the locking device is released.

In an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the actuating elements are guided in a guide element. A defined actuation movement can thus be carried out.

It can be provided here that a restoring element, with which at least one actuating element can be transferred into its rest position, for example the already mentioned restoring element, is supported on the guide element. A compact structure with few individual parts is thus made possible.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the locking device has a locking element that can be pivoted about a point within the polygon, in particular against a restoring force, for example the already mentioned restoring force. This makes it possible in a simple manner to use a locking element which can fix all actuating elements.

The point within the polygon can, for example, be a center of the polygon, in particular in the case of a regular polygon. A particularly simple geometric shape of the locking element can thus be achieved.

In an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that a fixing of an actuating element can be canceled by actuating another actuating element. Thus, additional release elements, with which a fixation can be canceled, can be dispensed with. Another advantage is that a diverter can be formed in a simple manner, with which a waterway can be switched off when another waterway is switched on.

This can be achieved, for example, in that a locking element that is movable as a whole and/or is provided in one piece is provided for all actuating elements. Alternatively or additionally, this can be achieved in that the locking element can be displaced in the same way by all the actuating elements.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the locking device has at least two separate locking elements that can each be actuated independently of one another. Thus, the actuating elements can be fixed independently of one another, by respective independent actuation of the associated locking element. It can thus be made possible that two valves can be opened at the same time.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a restoring element is formed for each locking element. This enables individual locking into a locking position, for example the locking position already mentioned.

A particularly easy-to-manufacture variant can provide that the restoring element is connected in one piece to the locking element.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the locking elements are arranged so that they can move radially in relation to a point within the polygon. A space-saving arrangement of the locking elements within or predominantly within the polygon is thus possible.

Complications caused by mutual interactions of the locking elements can be avoided.

The point within the polygon can, for example, be a center of the polygon, in particular in the case of a regular polygon. A particularly simple geometric shape of the locking element can thus be achieved.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a release element is designed to deactivate the locking device. It is thus also possible to release the locking device when all the actuating elements are fixed in their actuating position.

It is favorable, particularly in the case of radially movable locking elements, if the release element is arranged in the center of the polygon. Thus, a joint release of all locking elements is possible.

A preferred application of the invention provides a sanitary installation, in particular a shower and/or bath fitting, with an actuating device according to the invention, in particular as described above and/or according to one of the claims directed to an actuating device.

Correspondingly, a use of the actuating device according to the invention, in particular as described above and/or according to one of the claims directed to an actuating device, on a sanitary installation, in particular a shower and/or bath fitting, is proposed as a preferred application of the invention.

The invention will now be described in more detail using exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments result from combinations tion of the features of one or more claims with each other and / or with one or more features of the embodiments.

• 1 eine erfindungsgemäße Betätigungsvorrichtung in einer dreidimensionalen Schrägansicht von oben,
• 2 die Betätigungsvorrichtung aus 1 in einer teilweise aufgeschnittenen Schrägansicht,
• 3 eine Explosionsdarstellung der Betätigungsvorrichtung aus 1,
• 4 eine weitere erfindungsgemäße Betätigungsvorrichtung in einer dreidimensionalen Schrägansicht von oben,
• 5 die Betätigungsvorrichtung aus 4 mit abgenommener Abdeckung,
• 6 die Betätigungsvorrichtung aus 4 in einer teilweise aufgeschnittenen Schrägansicht,
• 7 eine Arretierungselement der Betätigungsvorrichtung aus 4 in Arretierungsposition,
• 8 eine Arretierungselement der Betätigungsvorrichtung aus 4 in Freigabeposition,
• 9 eine Explosionsdarstellung der Betätigungsvorrichtung aus 4,
• 10 den Bewegungsablauf eines Betätigungselements aus der Ruheposition (oben) in die Betätigungsposition (unten) bei der Betätigungsvorrichtung aus 4,
• 11 den Bewegungsablauf eines Löseelements bei Lösen der Arretierungsvorrichtung und die korrespondierende Bewegung des Betätigungselements aus der Betätigungsposition (oben) in die Ruheposition (unten) bei der Betätigungsvorrichtung aus 4 und
• 12 eine Sanitärinstallation nach dem Stand der Technik.

It shows:

• 1 an actuating device according to the invention in a three-dimensional oblique view from above,
• 2 the operating device 1 in a partially cut oblique view,
• 3 An exploded view of the actuator 1 ,
• 4 another actuating device according to the invention in a three-dimensional oblique view from above,
• 5 the operating device 4 with cover removed,
• 6 the operating device 4 in a partially cut oblique view,
• 7 a locking element of the actuating device 4 in locking position,
• 8th a locking element of the actuating device 4 in release position,
• 9 An exploded view of the actuator 4 ,
• 10 the movement sequence of an actuating element from the rest position (above) to the actuating position (below) in the actuating device 4 ,
• 11 the movement sequence of a release element when releasing the locking device and the corresponding movement of the actuating element from the actuating position (above) to the rest position (below) in the actuating device 4 and
• 12 state-of-the-art plumbing.

12 shows a sanitary installation designated as a whole by 1 according to the prior art. The sanitary installation forms waterways 2 which are routed to a shower head 3 , a hand shower 4 , a tub outlet 5 and a massage unit 6 here by way of example. In further exemplary embodiments, other numbers and/or types of water outlets can be formed.

An actuating device 7 is used to switch the individual waterways 2 on and off in order to direct the outflow of water either via one or more water outlets. The actuating elements 9 are arranged linearly.

the 1 until 3 show an actuating device 7 according to the invention for use in the sanitary installation 1 instead of the actuating device 7 shown there.

The actuating device 7 serves to actuate a valve arrangement 8 which is arranged beneath it and/or forms a unit with it.

The actuating device 7 has a plurality of actuating elements 9 which can be adjusted between a rest position and an actuating position.

Accordingly, the valve arrangement 8 has a plurality of valves 10 which each switch a waterway 2 .

In the 1 until 3 the case is shown as an example in which three waterways 2 can be switched. In further exemplary embodiments, more than three, for example four, actuating elements 9 and valves 10 are provided in order to switch a desired number of waterways 2.

In the 1 until 3 describe the three actuating elements 9 through their arrangement, the corners of a polygon 11 in the form of an equilateral triangle.

In other exemplary embodiments, the arrangement of the actuating elements 9 describes the corners of an n-gon, n>3, where n is equal to the number of actuating elements 9 .

The actuator 7 in the 1 until 3 has a cover 12 which holds the actuators 9.

The actuation movement of the actuation elements 9 is guided by a guide element 13 .

The locking device 14 comprises a locking element 15 and a corresponding counter-element 16.

The locking element 15 and the counter-element 16 each have holes 17, the size of which is matched to the actuating elements 9, which pass through the holes 17. A position of the locking element 15 is thus fixed when the actuating elements 9 engage in the holes 17 .

The locking element 15 can be twisted against the counter-element 16 .

Below the locking device 14 there is a blocking element 18 made up of three segments 19 (or as many segments as there are actuating elements).

The segments 19 can be moved in a pivoting movement.

A hole 20 is formed between adjacent segments 19 in each case. If the adjacent segments of a hole 20 are at a maximum distance from one another, the hole 20 is larger than the actuating element 9 through which it passes. The actuating element 9 can then be inserted into the hole 20.

If the adjacent segments of a hole 20 are minimally spaced apart, the hole 20 is smaller than the actuator 9 through which it passes. The actuating element 9 cannot then be inserted into the hole 20 .

Finally, the actuating device 7 has a base plate 21 which holds the disc-shaped guide element 13, the disc-shaped locking element 15, the disc-shaped counter-element 16 and the disc-shaped segments 19 in a stacked arrangement.

A fastener 22 and a counter fastener 23 hold the stack assembly together.

On the base plate 21, the valves 10 are attached. If an actuator 9 from its rest position according 2 pushed down so far that it passes through the holes 17 and 20, the associated valve 10 is actuated.

The locking element 15 is held rotatably about a point inside the polygon 11, here the center 24.

A play limiter 25, which cooperates with a recess 26 on the guide element 13 (or on another non-rotatable part), limits the available pivoting angle.

A reset element 27 defines a rest position of the locking element 15.

The actuating elements 9 have ramps 28 with which the locking element 15 is pivoted from a rest position during an actuating movement. Here, the bevels 28 interact with counter bevels 37 on the locking element 15 .

If the actuating element 9 is actuated further, the locking element 15 engages behind a retaining projection 29, as a result of which a return movement of the actuating element 9 is blocked.

If another actuating element 9 is actuated, the locking element 15 is again deflected into its release position. As a result, the actuating element 9 that was actuated first is no longer fixed, but is brought into its rest position by a restoring element 30 . For this purpose, the restoring element 30 is supported on the guide element 13 .

If an actuating element 9 is brought into its actuating position, the adjacent segments 19 are displaced. As a result, the remaining holes 20 of the blocking element 18 are reduced in size, so that the associated actuating elements 9 no longer fit through. It is therefore not possible to bring two actuating elements into their actuating positions at the same time.

4 until 11 show another embodiment of the invention. Components and functional units that are functionally and/or constructively similar or identical to the preceding exemplary embodiments are denoted by the same reference symbols and are not described separately again. The remarks on the 1 until 3 therefore apply to the 4 until 11 corresponding.

The exemplary embodiment differs from the preceding exemplary embodiment in that a plurality of separate locking elements 15 are formed which, moreover, are not arranged such that they can be pivoted but are arranged to be movable radially in relation to the center 24 (independently of one another).

In further exemplary embodiments, the locking elements 15 can be moved along other paths.

By comparing 7 and 8th it becomes clear that the restoring elements 27, which are assigned to each locking element 15, are formed in one piece and can be reset to a rest position ( 7 ) worries. Here, the restoring elements 27 interact with suitable projections 38 .

10 shows the sequence of movements during an actuation movement from top to bottom

The ramp 28 on the actuating element 9 again displaces the locking element 15 (second picture from the top) until the locking element 15 can engage behind the retaining projection 29 (third picture from the top).

The restoring element 27 now brings the locking element 15 into its rest position (fourth picture from the top), so that the actuating element 9 is fixed in its actuating position.

The remaining actuating elements 9 can now be brought into their actuating position in the same way.

If all actuated actuating elements 9 are to be returned to their respective rest positions, the release element 31 must be actuated. this shows 11 top down.

It can be seen that the release element 31 also has a ramp 32 with which all locking elements 15 can be radially displaced (first image from above) until the associated actuating elements 9 are free again (second image from above). The actuating elements 9 can now return to the rest position (third image from the top).

The run-up slope 32 interacts with corresponding counter-slopes 37 on the locking elements 15 .

A reset element 33 brings the release element 31 back into its rest position.

If it is to be prevented that two actuating elements 9 can be pressed at the same time, a blocking element 18 with pivotable segments 19 as in 1 until 3 to be ordered.

The locking elements 15 are on the base plate 21 or a counter-element 16 (cf. 1 until 3 ) with guide means 34 out.

The valves 10 of the exemplary embodiments can have a pilot valve 35 and a main valve 36 in a manner known per se. With the pilot valve 35 a pressure chamber can be filled and emptied again from an operating pressure present at the valve 10 . An internal pressure in the pressure chamber determines a switching position of the main valve 36. An actuating force of the valve 10 can thus be lower than a force for executing the switching movement of the main valve 36. The mechanics of the actuating device 7 can thus be designed for these lower forces.

In the case of an actuating device 7 which is set up to actuate a valve arrangement 8, provision is therefore made for the actuating elements 9 for each valve 10 to be arranged at the corners of a convex polygon 11 with three or more corners.

Reference List

1

sanitary installation

2

waterway

3

shower head

4

hand shower

5

tub outlet

6

massage unit

7

operating device

8th

valve assembly

9

actuator

10

Valve

11

polygon

12

cover

13

guide element

14

locking device

15

locking element

16

counter element

17

hole in 15

18

blocking element

19

segment

20

Hole in 18/19

21

base plate

22

fasteners

23

counter fasteners

24

center

25

game limitation

26

recess

27

reset element (to reset 15)

28

ramp at 9

29

retaining projection

30

return element

31

release element

32

ramp at 31

33

Reset element for 15

34

means of guidance

35

pilot valve

36

main valve

37

counter slope

38

head Start

39

locked position

Claims (17)

Actuating device (7) for a valve arrangement (8) with at least three actuating elements (9) each for one valve (10) of the valve arrangement (8), wherein the actuating elements (9) can each be transferred from a rest position to an actuating position, each actuating element ( 9) is fixed after transfer into the operating position with a releasable locking device (14) in order to prevent a return to the rest position, characterized in that the at least three operating elements (9) describe corners of a preferably convex polygon (11). Actuating device (7) after claim 1 , characterized in that the locking device (14) has at least one locking element (15) which can be moved from a rest position against a restoring force into a release position. Actuating device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device (14) is set up for positively locking the actuating element (9). Actuating device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a ramp (28) is formed on each actuating element (9), with which an associated locking element (15) of the locking device (14) can be moved. Actuating device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a retaining projection (29) is formed on each actuating element (9), behind which an associated locking element (15) engages for fixing. Actuating device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the or a retaining projection (29) on the actuating element (9) engages in a corresponding hole (17) on the at least one locking element (15), in particular the hole (17 ) is matched to a size of the actuating element (9), for example measured at a point of engagement in the hole (17). Actuating device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each actuating element (9) controls a pilot valve (35) with which a main valve (36) of the associated valve (10) can be actuated via an operating pressure applied to the valve (10). is. Actuating device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each actuating element (9) is assigned a restoring element (30) with which it can be moved into its rest position. Actuating device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating elements (9) are guided in a guide element (13), in particular the or a restoring element (30) with which at least one actuating element (9) moves into its rest position can be transferred, is supported on the guide element (13). Actuating device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device (14) is a locking element which can be pivoted about a point within the polygon (11), in particular a center (24) of the polygon (11), in particular against the or a restoring force (15) has. Actuating device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fixing of an actuating element (9) can be canceled by actuating another actuating element (9). Actuating device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device (14) has at least two separate locking elements (15) which can each be actuated independently of one another. Actuating device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a restoring element (27) is formed for each locking element (15), preferably connected thereto in one piece. Actuating device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking elements (15) are arranged movably radially in relation to a point inside the polygon (11), in particular a center (24) of the polygon (11). Actuating device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a release element (31) is designed to deactivate the locking device (14). Sanitary installation (1), in particular a shower and/or bath fitting, with an actuating device (7) according to one of the preceding claims. Use of an actuating device (7) according to one of Claims 1 until 15 at a Sanitary installation (1), in particular shower and/or bath fittings.

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